Our favourite summer retreat and the 10th year at this lovely venue in the Suffolk countryside. A beautiful old country house set in its own grounds with orchard and vegetable garden surrounded by miles of arable farmlands and ancient woods. Approximately 3 miles from historic Lavenham and 5 miles from Bury St. Edmunds. Many local walks and cycle routes. Perfect for that summer retreat. Partners welcome. There are no ensuites at this venue but bathrooms very near to the bedrooms. Accommodation ranges from private double or single, very large twin share or a downstairs room with single bed. Please link to see cost of each type.

July 19th – 22nd Suffolk 1

Woodwind Clinic : 2nd Level : Grades 4 – 8

A second level “check up” course to make sure that you are heading in the right direction with Tone, Technique, Breathing, Articulation, Dynamics + Repertoire and for those needing a refresher ‘back to basics’ few days. Both Julie and Nick are quick to analyse and diagnose which makes for rapid trouble shooting, problem solving and smooth progress.

We can assist you to read notation more fluently and to develop a secure understanding of rhythms. Our aim is to help you to enjoy your playing and to achieve that much desired improvement based on secure foundations.

A first level “check up” course to make sure that you are heading in the right direction with Tone, Technique, Breathing, Articulation, Dynamics + Repertoire and for those needing a refresher ‘back to basics’ few days. Both Julie and Nick are quick to analyse and diagnose which makes for rapid trouble shooting, problem solving and smooth progress.

Workshop style sessions, 1 : 1 help, ensemble coaching with parts written to suit your individual level and demonstration classes focusing on the basic elements of each instrument, practice structure and techniques, performance styles and how to gain confidence/nerve removal…….we can help with everything!

The numbers will be kept at 7 – 8 (with 2 tutors) depending on instrument combinations. We will have the keyboard with us and so there will be daily opportunities to play solos with piano accompaniment. Make these as easy and manageable or as challenging as you wish.

We can assist you to read notation more fluently and to develop a secure understanding of rhythms. Our aim is to help you to enjoy your playing and to achieve that much desired improvement based on secure foundations.

Hastingleigh is a hamlet in rural Kent – an area of outstanding natural beauty on the rolling Downs. We will be staying in a converted sawmill and stables in well equipped chalet style dwellings with shared kitchenette and living areas. Wifi is available in each one, although the phone signal can be very patchy.

No car needed as we are offering meet and greet at Wye station.

There are many local walks and public footpaths for that essential relax and breath of fresh air.The local pub is a pleasant 1 mile stroll away. Nearest shop 4 miles.

Travel by car and park on site, or take the train via Ashford to Wye, from where we can collect you at 5.30. If you arrive early at the station, please amuse yourself in the adjacent pub.

Course daily structure

Breakfast 8.45; Playing sessions 9.30 – 12.30; Lunch 1.00

Afternoon free for walking, relaxing or practising ‘given’ tasks

“Check up” Session 17.00; Ensembles/Mixed Ensembles 18.30

Evening Soiree 18.45; Dinner 19.30

“Many thanks for last weeks’ Clinic 1, 4-day course. You put a huge amount of effort and hard work into making it happen and it really came together so well, with such a variety of exercises too. Without doubt you are both first rate musicians and your wonderful recitals made the end of the day a fabulous cooling off period for me – as well as something to aspire to!” PT August 2018

It’s a House Party – All levels of Flutes and Saxophones en Vacances with Partners most welcome. Full

Transylvania 2 : September 20th – 26th. 6 nights

It’s another House Party – Intermediate to Advanced Flutes and All levels of Clarinets/Saxophones with Partners most welcome

Stay longer, if you wish, and Friends/Partners are always welcome

Location : The village of Moeciu de Sus lies at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains, in the Brasov County (Brasov 35 km), just where the Bucegi National Park begins. Fresh air and stunning mountain scenery with Dracula’s Bran Castle just 12 km away. Visit Bran, Brasov, Sighisoara, Sinaia or Predeal whilst enjoying the quietness of a mountain village. The large wooden chalet offers comfort, natural authenticity and calm. It is scenically located in the middle of the village with a small fresh food and provisions shop and several cafes/eateries nearby.

6 further ensuite rooms are available in a traditional house just a few metres walk away from the main house.

Airport : Fly to Bucharest or Cluj with BA, Ryanair, Wizzair, BlueAir or Tarom direct or Lufthansa/Austrian with one stop. Book well in advance for the best prices.

Hire a car – Car hire is readily available at the airport – we would suggest one of the well known names such as Sixt or Budget. There are a few ridiculously cheap options (eg. Klass wagon) at 5 GBP per day but they make their money on each tiny scratch or that minuscule windscreen chip. Generally, car hire is very inexpensive at £68-130 for 6/7 days including unlimited mileage, with several rental companies including a free additional driver. The route offers a stunningly beautiful drive of 3 hours and 10 minutes passing through country towns where you can stop and take a rest or even shop for local wines, beers and treats. We suggest, from experience, that you do this drive in daylight. The route is not difficult to follow and very scenic. We suggest a coffee stop in Pârâul Rece, at the top of the Prahova Valley. This is the highest town in Romania. Sinaia has a beautiful palace and Busteni/Campina have many shops and bars.

Shared transits – We can arrange meet and greet taxi at shared cost from the Airport to the Chalet. This will be fixed at a set time (to suit the majority) from the Airporot or please hire a car and share the cost between several people. Another possibility is the train from Bucharest to Busteni and then taxi to the village.

Currency is the Lei (approx 5 to GBP) but euros are sometimes requested in tourist situations.

There is an ATM as you exit arrivals at the airport – opposite the florist’s shop. Also several in Bran and Brasov. Surprisingly, the tiny, local convenience store in Moeciu de Sus has a card reader if you need to use a card as payment.

Things to do :-

Local guided tours and mountain trails can be arranged at a reasonable rate – please ask and we will organise this for you. 15 euros per person for a half day guided cultural experience and forest trek with our English speaking host. Look at farming methods and how the locals live and discover the history of the area.

Unique visit (free) to a local photographer’s studio hut and camera museum! This is originality at its best.

Endless local trails and walks in the Bucegi Natural Park

Bicycle hire

Cheese and wine tasting

Rescued Bear Sanctuary (mornings only)

Bran/Brasov

Sinaia (best done en route)

The Local Church

Eating inMoeciu de Sus :-

Highly recommended 4 star local restaurant for lunch and drinks with pleasant garden. Vlahia Inn, Bar and Restaurant – Discover the tastes of Transylvania – we personally recommend it for Romanian menu, quality, ambience and price. Open daily and a buffet lunch is often available.

The local store sells bread, cheese/salami/biscuits/wine/beer/water etc. if you need a picnic lunch. Opens daily, but closes each afternoon for a few hours.

Coffee – next to both houses – one table, one umbrella and just two chairs, but great coffee!

Pizza restaurant and meat grill – open at week ends and occasional week days

Try the Big Red Bus City Trip at 25 Lei (£5) for a 24 hour ticket and see Bucharest’s main sights.

Try to peep into the Old Russian Church (near the University and the accommodation above)

Eat Romanian style soup and home made bread with plum brandy at Ciorbarie

For city taxis, download the app “Clever Taxi” and pay in Lei cash. Guaranteed meter rate and very cheap. The same Taxis flagged down on the street will not use the meter and create a tourist price. Uber also works in Bucharest.

The repertoire classes will be in a Masterclass situation and the focus will be on you when you are playing solos, but the others may observe, listen and learn from the session.

Workshops for Tone,Technique, Playing Tips and Tricks.

Coached Small and Mixed Ensembles

Suits those seeking personal or professional development or simply a general boost.

Thank you for laying on such an enjoyable experience. The results of the course have been extraordinary….My playing has gone up a notch or two.

JC Devon, March 2019

October 7th – 11th

Staffordshire 2. Intermediate to Advanced Levels

4 nights. An Intensive Workshop/Ensembles Course to improve all aspects of your playing

5/7 places only

A workshop based course including tone, technique, breathing, articulation and intonation. Small workshop based, group learning sessions throughout the morning with a break after lunch for a walk, chat or some practice. Play again from 4.30 – 7pm

This is a comprehensive, small group based, developmental course aimed at Intermediate levels of player. The numbers are kept small to guarantee maximum attention; especially useful for those unable to have regular tuition. Don’t worry if this is your first course; we are completely sympathetic to your needs and adjust our teaching accordingly.

These beautiful Holiday Cottages are converted barns on the edge of Blithfield Reservoir, a 750 acre lake in the heart of the lovely Staffordshire countryside. They are 2 miles from the ancient village of Abotts Bromley. Nearest train station would be Rugeley Trent Valley

The accommodation is in a series of 6 adjoining cottages in a rural, lakeside setting.

Each cottage has kitchen facilities, living and practice areas and a private patio overlooking the reservoir along with communal lawns.

There are Flat screen TV’s with free view and DVD/CD players in each.

The cottages vary in size and accommodation but all have been converted and furnished to the same excellent standard which has led to the venue being awarded 4 stars by “Visit Britain”. They all have full Gas Central Heating.

Room availability

Private self contained Cottage with double bedroom, open plan living and kitchen area and bathroom. ( 1 )

Double Ensuite rooms in various cottages ( 7)

Double/ Twin Room with own bathroom next door in various cottages ( 2 )

A typical daily schedule is to work all morning from 9.30 to 12.30, enjoy a leisurely lunch with a short break to relax or practise and then another session from 4.30 until dinner after which you are free to play informal ensembles, if you wish.

Full Board – with all meals and Tuition included. Start Time 18.00 on 9th and ends at 11.00 on 12th. Start Time 17.00 on 12th and ends after breakfast on 16th

The main accommodation is in Greyhound Barn – Luxury and spacious accommodation :- a beautiful Cotswold, Grade ll listed former hop brewery with all bedrooms ensuite. 2 minutes walk from the local village pub. Single, Twin and Double rooms : all en suite. Unlimited heating and hot water. Ample practice space and rehearsal areas.

Pub Accommodation Just a few steps away in the village (This is for you to organize on a private basis whilst paying us the daily course rate)

All Advanced adult flute players welcome. Professional Development Level

Participants must be secure and fluent readers.

Public concert in the village church on Saturday 15th February at 7pm

Coached Ensembles in workshop based sessions and the opportunity to play solos if you wish.

The chance to chat and relax with like-minded others at the same time as giving your own playing a boost. We have over 300 unique arrangements for flute ensembles, many of which are orchestral arrangements – Mahler, Berlioz, Dvorak, Verdi, Vivaldi etc.

Piccolo, Flute, Alto and Bass/Contra Bass parts.

Schedule from 9.30 – 12.30 and 4.30 – 7.30 with optional playing after dinner. Time to rehearse with others in between classes and a daily, informal soiree if you wish to perform what you have rehearsed. Start time from 18.00 on 14th February (please take your time if stuck in traffic as we will work into the night). End time 11.00 on 17th February

Julie is offering a specialist course with just two playing places for maximum intensity. She will cover all aspects of your playing and will focus on any particular areas that need special attention. (*Please note that these courses carry a special fee because of their bespoke nature). Suits those seeking personal or professional development or simply a general boost. Every player welcome from complete beginner to advanced as the teaching is tailored to suit you and specific to your needs.

Julie is offering a specialist course with just two playing places for maximum intensity. She will cover all aspects of your playing and will focus on any particular areas that need special attention. (*Please note that these courses carry a special fee because of their bespoke nature). Suits those seeking personal or professional development or simply a general boost. Every player welcome from complete beginner to advanced as the teaching is tailored to suit you and specific to your needs.

The repertoire classes will be in a Masterclass situation and the focus will be on you when you are playing solos, but the others may observe, listen and learn from the session.

Workshops for Tone,Technique, Playing Tips and Tricks.

Coached Small and Mixed Ensembles

Suits those seeking personal or professional development or simply a general boost.

Thank you for laying on such an enjoyable experience. The results of the course have been extraordinary….My playing has gone up a notch or two.

JC Devon, March 2019

These beautiful Holiday Cottages are converted barns on the edge of Blithfield Reservoir, a 750 acre lake in the heart of the lovely Staffordshire countryside. 2 miles from the ancient village of Abotts Bromley. Nearest train station would be Rugeley Trent Valley

The accommodation is in a series of 6 adjoining cottages in a rural, lakeside setting.

Each cottage has kitchen facilities, living and practice areas and a private patio overlooking the reservoir along with communal lawns.

There are Flat screen TV’s with free view and DVD/CD players in each.

The cottages vary in size and accommodation but all have been converted and furnished to the same excellent standard which has led to the venue being awarded 4 stars by “Visit Britain”. They all have full Gas Central Heating.

Room availability

Private self contained Cottage with double bedroom, open plan living and kitchen area and bathroom. ( 1 )

Double Ensuite rooms in various cottages ( 7)

Double/ Twin Room with own bathroom next door in various cottages ( 2 )

These courses are about what you want to do and what your playing needs from us. We can fix so many issues! Workshop sessions for tone, finger technique, breathing and general tips and tricks. Explore new repertoire and improve performance techniques. Coached small ensembles for mixed or single instrument groups. The numbers will be kept at 6 – 9 (with 2 tutors) depending on instrument combinations. Small, friendly and welcoming is our signature style.

The weather in May averages 10 hours+ of sunshine per day and temperatures of up to 22/23 degrees. The pool is a pleasant feature but may not be warm enough for a swim.

Nearest airport Is Porto with regular flights from the UK and the villa is a 60 minute drive from there. We can help organise a shared transit depending on flight arrival times.

This late 18th Century Manor House is set in its own spectacular grounds with a natural spring water swimming pool and historical gardens which are famous in the area.

The local region is very good for walking and exploring.

Music

There is an antique Broadwood piano for our use in a truly characterful music room which is filled with antiques . We will also have the keyboard with us and so there will be daily opportunities to play solos with piano accompaniment. Make these as easy and manageable or as challenging as you wish.

Full Board Accommodation in Single, Double or Twin rooms. The bedrooms are spacious and comfortable with many offering a modern ensuite bathroom. There is also a massive twin room with double beds for anyone who would like to share. Towels and bedding are provided and there is ample hot water.

The house has a large dining room, living room and two kitchen areas for our use.

A typical daily schedule :-

Breakfast at 8.45

Playing session from 9.30 – 12.30,

Make a picnic lunch at 13.00 from our well stocked fridge in the guest kitchenette. and make the most of free time in the afternoon to relax or go for a wander.

Meet again to play at 17.30 (optional)

Evening Performance soiree at 18.30.

Drinks and Dinner 19.30

Small shops and cafes are situated at 1.2 miles. The local market is a weekly Monday feature.

Local visits by car

Casa do Tempo – The House of Time 2 minMuseu Ferroviário Arco de Baúlhe – Railroad Nucleus of the Arco de Baulhe 12 minCasa da lã – The House of Wool 15 minMosteiro – Monastery of S. Miguel de Refojos 2 minCasa do Pão – The House of Bread 20 min